Ricky Ponting believes he is already reaping the benefits of standing down as Australia captain.
Ponting made an unbeaten 90 from 106 balls on Sunday as Australia beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Hambantota to open up a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
The 36-year-old, who gave up the skipper's role following Australia's failed World Cup defence in April, also made a half century in the opening game.
Since stepping aside for Michael Clarke the Tasmanian has averaged 87 - including the tour of Bangladesh - as Australia have won all five of their subsequent one-day internationals.
"The World Cup (on the sub-continent) didn't go to plan as I would have wanted," he said.
"(But) the one-day series in Bangladesh that we had when I wasn't captain - I felt like I played really well there, and I started this series really well.
"There's no doubt that for me to be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and fielding only has been nice.
"I've been able to be that little bit fresher I think and I've felt in control in the two games I've played here so far, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the tour."
Ponting quashed any doubts he would not continue playing for Australia having surrendered the captaincy. Instead he hopes to play for as long as possible and try and help his side regain the top ranking in one-day cricket.
"I thought long and hard about the decision I made obviously, but once I'd come to the conclusion that I wasn't captain of the side anymore, it was up to me to be the best batsman I could be for the side, and another pair of ears for Michael if he wanted them," he added.
"I've never put a finish line on my career at all.
"I'm still enjoying the game as much as ever, and the last few series that I've played I've actually started to get back into a bit of touch again with the bat which is nice.
"I'll just enjoy it for what it is now, and as I said, the number three batsman in the side, the most experienced player.
"It's up to me to do what I can to win games for the team."
Current skipper Clarke praised his bowling attack for setting up the two victories so far this series.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 208 on Sunday after Mitchell Johnson's career-best six for 31 had skittled the hosts for 191 in the opener at Kandy.
"I think our fast bowlers have done a really good job," he said.
"They've executed their plans well, they've used the conditions, they've used reverse swing, they've bowled pretty straight when they've had to at the stumps.
"I still think Sri Lanka have some very good spinners, they probably haven't put enough runs on the board to put us under pressure, or enough pressure.
"It helps when you've got two good opening batters as well that have got us off to pretty good starts.
"Brad (Haddin) missed out, but Ricky come in and did a great job. I think credit where credit's due, I think our bowlers have done a great job, and we've played pretty well with the bat as well."
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Ponting made an unbeaten 90 from 106 balls on Sunday as Australia beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Hambantota to open up a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
The 36-year-old, who gave up the skipper's role following Australia's failed World Cup defence in April, also made a half century in the opening game.
Since stepping aside for Michael Clarke the Tasmanian has averaged 87 - including the tour of Bangladesh - as Australia have won all five of their subsequent one-day internationals.
"The World Cup (on the sub-continent) didn't go to plan as I would have wanted," he said.
"(But) the one-day series in Bangladesh that we had when I wasn't captain - I felt like I played really well there, and I started this series really well.
"There's no doubt that for me to be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and fielding only has been nice.
"I've been able to be that little bit fresher I think and I've felt in control in the two games I've played here so far, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the tour."
Ponting quashed any doubts he would not continue playing for Australia having surrendered the captaincy. Instead he hopes to play for as long as possible and try and help his side regain the top ranking in one-day cricket.
"I thought long and hard about the decision I made obviously, but once I'd come to the conclusion that I wasn't captain of the side anymore, it was up to me to be the best batsman I could be for the side, and another pair of ears for Michael if he wanted them," he added.
"I've never put a finish line on my career at all.
"I'm still enjoying the game as much as ever, and the last few series that I've played I've actually started to get back into a bit of touch again with the bat which is nice.
"I'll just enjoy it for what it is now, and as I said, the number three batsman in the side, the most experienced player.
"It's up to me to do what I can to win games for the team."
Current skipper Clarke praised his bowling attack for setting up the two victories so far this series.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 208 on Sunday after Mitchell Johnson's career-best six for 31 had skittled the hosts for 191 in the opener at Kandy.
"I think our fast bowlers have done a really good job," he said.
"They've executed their plans well, they've used the conditions, they've used reverse swing, they've bowled pretty straight when they've had to at the stumps.
"I still think Sri Lanka have some very good spinners, they probably haven't put enough runs on the board to put us under pressure, or enough pressure.
"It helps when you've got two good opening batters as well that have got us off to pretty good starts.
"Brad (Haddin) missed out, but Ricky come in and did a great job. I think credit where credit's due, I think our bowlers have done a great job, and we've played pretty well with the bat as well."
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